George & Joseph

George & Joseph Cheesemongers is an award‑winning independent cheese shop in Chapel Allerton, Leeds, dedicated to championing artisan British and European cheeses and helping people develop genuine confidence in tasting, understanding and enjoying cheese. Founded by cheesemonger and food educator Stephen Fleming, the business has grown from its early days trading at local markets to become one of the UK’s most respected specialist cheese retailers. In 2018 it was named Best Speciality Cheese Retailer at the Great British Cheese Awards.

Stephen is a certified Academy of Cheese Trainer, an experienced cheese judge, and a judge for the Great Taste Awards. His teaching combines professional knowledge with a warm, accessible style that makes cheese education engaging for both enthusiasts and industry professionals.

Training with George & Joseph
Our Level One Associate course is designed to be relaxed, informal and immersive, while delivering a thorough grounding in the Academy of Cheese’s structured approach to tasting and understanding cheese. Courses take place in person at our working cheesemonger’s shop in Leeds and online via live virtual sessions, with cheeses and study materials delivered to your door.

What you’ll gain
• Explore the history and culture of cheese
• Understand how different styles are made
• Learn how to taste cheese using the Academy’s structured approach
• Develop confidence in describing flavour, texture and quality
• Discover how to select, serve and pair cheese
• Build and present a balanced cheeseboard

Who the course is for?
Our courses are open to cheese lovers, hospitality and retail professionals, sommeliers, food writers, and career‑changing cheesemongers. No prior experience is required — just curiosity and a love of cheese.

Our approach
We believe cheese education should be professional but never intimidating, structured but always enjoyable, and rooted in real tasting and real conversation.